used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
the power or right to give orders or make decisions
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
blightedadjectiveUS /ˈblaɪtɪd/
affected by blight; anything that mars or prevents growth or prosperity
From this reading Romance and mystery were in her smile; and yet what had life held for her, she mused now, except the frustrated hope, the blighted fruit, the painted lily?
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Her beauty had brought her nothing that was not tawdry, nothing that was not a gaudy imitation of happiness.
taking care or paying attention
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
clungverbUS /klʌŋ/
inflected form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
CORINNA
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
draperiesnounUS /ˈdreɪpəriz/
plural of “drapery” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
at any time
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
apart from; not including
From this reading Romance and mystery were in her smile; and yet what had life held for her, she mused now, except the frustrated hope, the blighted fruit, the painted lily?
festivalnounUS /ˈfestəvəl/
a day or period of time set aside for feasting and celebration
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Romance and mystery were in her smile; and yet what had life held for her, she mused now, except the frustrated hope, the blighted fruit, the painted lily?
the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant
From this reading Romance and mystery were in her smile; and yet what had life held for her, she mused now, except the frustrated hope, the blighted fruit, the painted lily?
frustratedadjectiveUS /ˈfrʌstreɪtəd/
disappointingly unsuccessful
From this reading Romance and mystery were in her smile; and yet what had life held for her, she mused now, except the frustrated hope, the blighted fruit, the painted lily?
past form of “gain” — obtain
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
gaudyadjectiveUS /ˈɡɔːdi/
tastelessly showy
From this reading Her beauty had brought her nothing that was not tawdry, nothing that was not a gaudy imitation of happiness.
plural of “go” — a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
a woman's dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and a long flared skirt, often worn on formal occasions
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading Her beauty had brought her nothing that was not tawdry, nothing that was not a gaudy imitation of happiness.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
plural of “heel” — the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading Romance and mystery were in her smile; and yet what had life held for her, she mused now, except the frustrated hope, the blighted fruit, the painted lily?
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
historicadjectiveUS /hɪˈstɔːrɪk/
belonging to the past; of what is important or famous in the past
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Romance and mystery were in her smile; and yet what had life held for her, she mused now, except the frustrated hope, the blighted fruit, the painted lily?
I've
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
imitationnounUS /ˌɪməˈteɪʃən/
the doctrine that representations of nature or human behavior should be accurate imitations
From this reading Her beauty had brought her nothing that was not tawdry, nothing that was not a gaudy imitation of happiness.
immeasurablyadverbUS /ˌɪˈmeʒəræbli/
to an immeasurable degree; beyond measurement
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
legendnounUS /ˈledʒənd/
a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
lilynounUS /ˈlɪli/
any liliaceous plant of the genus Lilium having showy pendulous flowers
From this reading Romance and mystery were in her smile; and yet what had life held for her, she mused now, except the frustrated hope, the blighted fruit, the painted lily?
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
mirrornounUS /ˈmɪrər/
polished surface that forms images by reflecting light
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
musedverbUS /mjuːzd/
past form of “muse” — reflect deeply on a subject
From this reading Romance and mystery were in her smile; and yet what had life held for her, she mused now, except the frustrated hope, the blighted fruit, the painted lily?
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading Romance and mystery were in her smile; and yet what had life held for her, she mused now, except the frustrated hope, the blighted fruit, the painted lily?
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Her beauty had brought her nothing that was not tawdry, nothing that was not a gaudy imitation of happiness.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Her beauty had brought her nothing that was not tawdry, nothing that was not a gaudy imitation of happiness.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Romance and mystery were in her smile; and yet what had life held for her, she mused now, except the frustrated hope, the blighted fruit, the painted lily?
OctobernounUS /ɑːkˈtoʊbər/
the month following September and preceding November
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
coated with paint
From this reading Romance and mystery were in her smile; and yet what had life held for her, she mused now, except the frustrated hope, the blighted fruit, the painted lily?
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
patchnounUS /pætʃ/
a small contrasting part of something
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
placingverbUS /ˈpleɪsɪŋ/
-ing form of “place” — put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
a relationship between two lovers
From this reading Romance and mystery were in her smile; and yet what had life held for her, she mused now, except the frustrated hope, the blighted fruit, the painted lily?
roundnessnoun
the fullness of a tone of voice
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
marked by exceptional merit
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
slippersnounUS /ˈslɪpərz/
plural of “slipper” — low footwear that can be slipped on and off easily; usually worn indoors
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading Romance and mystery were in her smile; and yet what had life held for her, she mused now, except the frustrated hope, the blighted fruit, the painted lily?
softnessnounUS /ˈsɔːftnəs/
the property of giving little resistance to pressure and being easily cut or molded
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
splendournoun
a quality that outshines the usual
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
tawdryadjectiveUS /ˈtɔːdri/
tastelessly showy
From this reading Her beauty had brought her nothing that was not tawdry, nothing that was not a gaudy imitation of happiness.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
transparentadjectiveUS /trænˈsperənt/
transmitting light; able to be seen through with clarity
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
velvetnounUS /ˈvelvət/
a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Her beauty had brought her nothing that was not tawdry, nothing that was not a gaudy imitation of happiness.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Romance and mystery were in her smile; and yet what had life held for her, she mused now, except the frustrated hope, the blighted fruit, the painted lily?
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Romance and mystery were in her smile; and yet what had life held for her, she mused now, except the frustrated hope, the blighted fruit, the painted lily?
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading If her beauty had lost in roundness and softness, it had gained immeasurably in authority, in that air of having been a part of great events, of historic moments which clung to her like a legend.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
in the company of; together with
From this reading In her narrow gown of black velvet, with the silver heels of her slippers shining beneath the transparent draperies, she had more than ever the look of festival, of October splendour.
an affirmative
From this reading CORINNA GOES TO WAR "Yes, I've had a mean life," thought Corinna, while she stood before her mirror carefully placing a patch on her cheek.
but in spite of that
From this reading Romance and mystery were in her smile; and yet what had life held for her, she mused now, except the frustrated hope, the blighted fruit, the painted lily?
